Taiwan President Lai Ching-te promotes peace during Hawaii Visit amid China tensions

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te made a landmark visit to Hawaii on November 30, his first international trip since being elected, emphasizing the island’s commitment to peace and “values-based diplomacy” as tensions with China escalate.

During his two-day stopover, Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s dedication to upholding democratic values and strengthening international partnerships.

“Peace is priceless, and war has no winner. We have to fight—fight together to prevent war,” Lai declared in a speech addressing allies and overseas Taiwanese in Honolulu. The visit comes amid heightened military threats from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and has ramped up military drills encircling the island.

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Lai’s arrival at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport was marked by a warm welcome from Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. During his visit, Lai toured significant landmarks, including the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, the Bishop Museum, and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

“Our visit to the [USS Arizona] Memorial today in particular reminds us of the importance of ensuring peace,” Lai reflected during a banquet attended by overseas Taiwanese and U.S. political leaders such as Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and Representatives Jill Tokuda and Ed Case.

Representative Jill Tokuda condemned China’s military drills following Lai’s inauguration, saying, “Make no mistake. This was meant to intimidate and silence Taiwan’s people with the threat of military force. We cannot allow this to happen.” She reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the island, adding, “Let there be no ambiguity. The United States must continue to stand by Taiwan, promote peace and stability, and ensure that Taiwan’s future is decided only by its people.”

Lieutenant Governor Luke praised Taiwan’s innovations and highlighted the 31st anniversary of Hawaii and Taiwan’s sister-state relationship. “We continue to be inspired by all the things that Taiwan does in terms of using technology and innovation to try to provide better services,” she remarked.

Governor Green, who shared photos of his meeting with Lai on social media, described it as a “momentous occasion” and underscored the significance of strengthening ties with Taiwan.

Lai’s visit comes as China intensifies its opposition to Taiwan’s international engagements. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson condemned Lai’s Hawaii stopover and claimed Beijing had lodged a protest with Washington. China’s provocative military actions include large-scale drills launched in October, following Lai’s assertion that “China has no right to represent Taiwan” during a national day speech.

The Biden administration has continued to bolster Taiwan’s defenses, recently approving a $385 million arms sale package, including support for F-16 fighter jets. Taiwan’s foreign ministry expressed gratitude, noting it marks the 18th military sale to Taiwan under President Biden since 2021.

Before departing for his seven-day trip, Lai emphasized Taiwan’s role as a defender of democratic values. “Through this trip, I hope to show the world that we, together with these enthusiastic Pacific Island countries, are upholding democratic values, and will continue to cooperate going forward on that path,” Lai said.

Lai’s itinerary includes visits to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific—Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Palau—before his return to Taiwan on December 6, with a brief stopover in Guam.